A new Alzheimer’s treatment targeting tau proteins
Official title: Development of a novel Alzheimer's disease therapeutic targeting tau
Funded at Aquinnah Pharmaceuticals, INC. · NIH-11374534 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A biotech company is testing a new Alzheimer’s therapy aimed at tau protein to slow or stop thinking and memory decline.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Aquinnah Pharmaceuticals, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newton, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2018 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $997,942 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AG060843-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11374534 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia who are in stages where disease-modifying therapies are being considered.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage or non-Alzheimer’s dementia patients may not benefit if the therapy does not affect tau pathways relevant to their condition.
What this research studies
This program focuses on a drug approach that targets tau pathology, which is linked to nerve cell loss in Alzheimer’s disease. The project aims to move toward IND-enabling studies, building on prior findings of tau involvement in stress granules. Researchers will work to advance promising compounds through preclinical steps so they could enter early human testing in the future. The work is rooted in observations from AD brain samples and animal models to translate into a potential new treatment option for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the therapy could slow cognitive decline and improve quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown that targeting tau pathology is a promising but still exploratory approach in AD.
Where this research is happening
-
Aquinnah Pharmaceuticals, INC.
Newton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Larsen, Glenn — Aquinnah Pharmaceuticals, INC.
- Study coordinator: Larsen, Glenn
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.